The Missouri Department of Transportation has awarded a demolition contract on Phase 2 of the Highway 34-72 widening project in Jackson. The $130,388 contract calls for the removal of 10 residential structures in the second phase, which is approximately a one-mile stretch, beginning about one mile west of Highway 25. The contract was awarded to Premier Demolition from Washington, Mo. MoDOT resident engineer Bob Wilson said traffic shouldn't be affected by the demolition, slated to begin in May. Wilson said the work will proceed in waves of four or five demolitions at a time. Before the structures are demolished, MoDOT inspectors must first check the houses for asbestos. Wilson said MoDOT hasn't settled with all of the property owners yet. He said the demolition could be completed by the end of the year.